ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The attorneys representing Erica Bell, the woman accused of beating a 3-year-old girl to death last year, want a judge to delay her trial — a ruling that is expected Wednesday morning.
Bell is charged with murder and manslaughter in the death of her boyfriend's daughter, Brook Stagles.
Bell's attorneys appeared in court Monday morning to request an adjournment after Bell was ordered earlier this month to get a new second attorney because of a conflict of interest. That happened last week, but the defense is now asking for more time to review the case. As of now, Bell is set to go on trial July 17.
The girl's father, Michael Stagles, is also charged in the case. He faces a criminally negligent homicide charge and will go on trial August 1. Stagles was granted bail last week after spending seven months behind bars. He's now being monitored by an electronic device.
Prosecutors say Bell severely abused Brook and that the little girl wasn't treated for her injuries. She was eventually taken to the hospital on November 13, but died the next day.